Southern Alps Guiding is offering a 4 day Copland Pass trip package. The Copland Pass crossing is a world renowned alpine crossing and takes in some of the most scenic landscape that New Zealand has to offer. It is definitely one the great walks of this country and there is no other crossing of the main divide that offers such an accessible and beautiful trek. The trek starts from the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.
Day 1 - Trek along the beautiful east Hooker valley amounst the Mt Cook Lilies and an abundance of alpine flora. The east Hooker offers stunning scenery. The south face of Aoraki Mt Cook being the predominant feature of the walk. Travelling along the east bank of the Hooker glacier lake offers some incredible sights of icebergs floating on the lake. A decent from the terraces onto the glacier for the hike to the Hooker Valley bivvy on the west side of the Hooker valley is required. Time from Mt Cook village to the Hooker Bivvy site is 4-6 hours.
Day 2 - An early start for the steady ascent of the Copland ridge is necessary. There is some interesting terrain here and your guide will be looking after your safety and will be using the climbing safety rope in some cases. The ascent is quite direct so travel up the ridge toward the pass requires some good footing techniques. Winding up the ridge is fun and the Copland shelter is reached after 2.5-4 hours. This is where we put our crampons on and get ready to cross the small glacier and climb the final snow slopes to the famous Copland Pass at 7050 ft or 2150 metres. The views are incredible. Viewing the three peaks of Aoraki Mt Cook, the upper Hooker Glacier, Mt Sefton, La Perouse, the main divide, the ocean to west and the rain forests. It's spectacular. Now it's time to descend the pass on the west side. Your guide will be looking after your safety with the climbing safety rope until easier snow slopes are reached lower down the West Coast side of the pass and the West Coast National Park. It's then onto Douglas Rock hut where a well earned meal and hot drinks will be prepared for you. You can expect 7-12 hours for this day. Once you reach the pass it's all down hill to the West Coast!!!
Day 3 - Today starts off very leisurely. It's only a few hours to Welcome Hut. Of course river levels can rise quickly on the West Coast due to heavy rain so times can vary. Your guide will ensure safe river crossings at all times. The Welcome Flat hut is a grand sight. Not only is the hut bigger but this is the time everyone has been waiting for...... the Welcome Flat hot springs. Soaking in natural hot springs in the middle of the wilderness is a fantastic experience. A good night sleep is usually had by all after a good soaking and a hot meal prepared by your guide.
Day 4 - An early start is required for the 5-6 hour trek to the road end and the Fox Glacier township to meet the bus or the trans alpine flight back to Aoraki Mt Cook. The trek is quite stunning and takes in some of the West Coast's beautiful rain forest.
Day 5 - Travel day to Aoraki Mt Cook for the guide if a transalpine flight is not possible.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Cost of trip includes guide fee, food, hut fees (1 night Douglas Rock hut & Welcome Flat hut), food, crampons, ice axe, cooking fuel, permit fees & GST 12.5%. The Copland Pass crossing is recommended for fit hikers and trampers/trekkers. A crossing of the main divide of the Southern Alps can be a serious undertaking. Be safe. Use a certified guide.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
New Zealand
Hiking & Trekking
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